Darren McFadden will finally get his chance to prove he can be a feature running back.

Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune says that it's "highly unlikely" Raiders running back Michael Bush will be ready for the season opener and could miss "up to a quarter of the season or more."

The Raiders have kept injury information tight, but Bush said it was a "Bennett fracture" on his Twitter page and posted pictures of his surgery on Twitter. McDonald learned that a 4-6 week recovery for a running back would be a "best case scenario" after speaking to an orthopedic surgeon in general terms about the injury.

Oakland may now keep both Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett on the roster to back up McFadden early in the season. We're excited to see what McFadden can do with the chance to be The Man.

The Browns drafted Montario Hardesty because they loved his smarts and his skills. But they also knew he was only available late in the second round because of his injury history.

On Thursday night, that history caught up to him in heartbreaking fashion.

The initial diagnosis following Hardesty's injury is that the impressive rookie suffered a torn ACL, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Further tests will be taken today to confirm the news.

Hardesty was expected to lead the Browns backfield, but this is one position the team has sufficient depth. Jerome Harrison is a quality option, and Peyton Hillis will probably play more tailback now. James Davis also looked impressive on Thursday night.

The politician in Jack Del Rio always campaigns hard each preseason on behalf of his defense. He promises it’s going to be this aggressive, swarm-to-the-ball, quarterback-harassing unit that will regularly be part of the Jaguars’ identity.

There’s no doubt Del Rio passionately believes that, but the harsh truth is it’s been a thing of the past. His defenses have been hideous for two years and were only average during that 2007 playoff season. Either because of advanced age at some positions or overvaluing players, the defense became the exact opposite of Del Rio’s core belief as a coach.

It was soft, undisciplined and alarmingly weak against the pass. How long can this go on?

Not surprisingly, Del Rio insists this eyesore stops now. It’s going to be different in 2010 because, in his mind, the meat and potatoes of that line around Terrance Knighton (aka Pot Roast) is of better quality.

Del Rio looks at Knighton being paired inside with rookie Tyson Alualu and envisions a John Henderson-Marcus Stroud reincarnation, circa 2005-06, the last time the defense was really the team’s backbone.

I’m not convinced yet, but at least the Jaguars are shaking things up in hopes of achieving a different result. Henderson, as good as he was in his prime, had become too unreliable. Coaches were tired of his act, not knowing which Big Hen they were getting from one week to the next, so they released him. If anybody can help the underachieving Derrick Harvey get to the quarterback, having a proven veteran like Aaron Kampman on the other side might invigorate him.

“It starts up front,” Del Rio said. “I think those guys give us a reason to be optimistic about what we can do on defense. Our linebackers are good. Our front is very good. We’re going to have a good defense this year. I really believe that.”

But will it happen? Veteran Jaguars safety Sean Considine has fresh memories of what a great defense looks like, having played on the Philadelphia Eagles’ third-ranked unit in 2008.

“Right now, the word that comes to mind with this defense is potential,” Considine said. “Everybody knows how potential works. You got to go out there and do it.

“If we’re going to take that next step here down in Jacksonville, we need to have players that you might not look at as playmaking guys come out this year and be that guy. Having average or middle-of-the-pack starters having career years. That’s what’s going to take this team to the next level.”

It’s fitting that tonight’s last preseason dress rehearsal brings a visit from the Atlanta Falcons, coached by former Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith. He left Jacksonville at the right time, getting a promotion just as his unit was going into decline. After that 2007 season, Del Rio admitted the defense was “getting by on smoke and mirrors.”

It’s time for the defense to execute with dependable playmakers. Or it could be another long season.

Maurice Jones-Drew was on the sidelines for the Jaguars' preseason game against Atlanta on Thursday night at EverBank Field.Blog: Final observations on Jaguars preseason, who gets cut and who stays

By Vito Stellino
Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who declined interview requests earlier in the week, said Thursday night he will be ready to return to practice Monday after missing the final two preseason games.

Jones-Drew didn’t play last Saturday in Tampa Bay or in Thursday night’s 13-9 victory over the Atlanta Falcons and hasn’t practiced for the past two weeks.

“I will be back Monday doing everything I need to do to get ready to beat Denver [in the season opener],” he said.

Although the Jaguars and Jones-Drew’s agent denied a report that he underwent knee surgery, they aren’t required to give out injury reports during the preseason, and they haven’t said exactly what sidelined him. And Jones-Drew said he was getting “rehab,” but didn’t specify what injury he has been rehabbing.

“After having a tough offseason, OTAs, a tough training camp, obviously I wanted to be out there with my teammates, but we felt the best thing for me was rest and rehab and getting my body back right, taking care of all the nicks and bruises,” Jones-Drew said. “I feel great. I can’t wait to get out there and play Denver. They are the first hurdle in our road to success, and I can’t wait to get out there.”

Of the speculation about his injury, Jones-Drew said, “It’s been a big mess over nothing. There have been some false reports out there about what
happened, which is fine. People are going to speculate, but that is not going to hurt anything that happens with this team. More than anything else, guys understand. They want me back. I want to be back, and I will be back on Monday.”

Jaguars: Still a work in progress in victoryStarters inconsistent, backups pull out win
Posted: August 29, 2010 - 12:38amPhotos

RICK WILSON/The Times-Union
By Vito Stellino
TAMPA — In what was supposed to be a dress rehearsal for the regular season on Saturday night, the Jaguars looked as if they’re still not ready for Broadway.

Against a Tampa Bay team that was playing without injured starting quarterback Josh Freeman, the Jaguars trailed 13-9 when they pulled the starters deep into the third quarter.

The Jaguars did pull out a 19-13 victory, their first of the preseason, with their backups.

Luke McCown threw a 27-yard pass to John Matthews with 1:14 left in the third quarter for the go-ahead score.

With the regular season two weeks from today against Denver after they wrap up the preseason Thursday night against Atlanta, the Jaguars continued to be plagued by inconsistent play.
The starters — the Jaguars were missing running back Maurice Jones-Drew and all three linebackers — lost a chance to take control of the game when they had a second down on the Tampa 1 with 4:21 left in the first half.
Montell Owens was stopped for no gain and the Jaguars tried a pass on third down and David Garrard telegraphed a throw to Greg Jones that linebacker Barrett Rudd picked off and returned 80 yards to set up the Bucs’ only touchdown.
“Obviously that is a missed opportunity there,’’ Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said of the interception. “What I talked to the guys about tonight was as a football team we have to learn how to respond positively. It’s not always going to go the way you want. I thought we did a nice job coming back on the two-minute drill, moving down the field, having a shot at a touchdown, securing the points, so we go into halftime at least feeling good about how we finished the half. That was a positive.
“Clearly we have to punch it in when we are sitting down there.”
Said Garrard of the interception: “I saw Greg Jones going into the flat. I didn’t really have enough time to look anywhere else. It was him or nobody, and the best thing I can do right there is keep it in front of him so that he catches it or no one does. That’s the only way I can help myself right there.”
After the interception, the Jaguars then put together a two-minute drive from the Jaguars 26 to the Tampa Bay 15 with 11 seconds left.
But Eugene Monroe was called for two penalties on the next play, illegal formation and holding. The Jags then settled for a 43-yard field goal by Josh Scobee.
It was the third time in the first half that the Jaguars moved into the Bucs’ red zone. They settled for two field goals.
Garrard put up solid numbers, completing 24 of 31 passes for 211 yards.
But he couldn’t get his team in the end zone and the interception resulted in a 14-point swing.
The Jaguars’ mistakes weren’t limited to Garrard’s interception. Cornerback Derek Cox fell down on the Bucs’ first offensive play, allowing Mike Williams to catch a 53-yard pass.
The Jaguars also had nine penalties in the first three quarters and their starters didn’t sack Johnson.

They also had little success running the ball in the first half when they played all but one series with Uche Nwaneri at center and Justin Smiley and Vince Manuwai at guard. Tynan Forney, who had been starting at guard, didn’t make the trip because of an injury and the Jaguars will now have to decide their second guard starter.

Playing without Jones-Drew, they ran for just 33 yards in 11 carries in the first half. Rashad Jennings started and had nine yards in four carries.

The defense limited the Bucs to just three points after the first quarter.

Related: Jaguars' offense falls short in red zone against Buccaneers

“We played real stout up front,’’ said defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. “We are hitting the quarterback but we are just a step late. We have to get there a little quicker, just be more precise with details when we are rushing.”

Added cornerback Rashean Mathis: “I thought we played well. It was an improvement.

“We gave up a big one on the first play of the game, but then we recouped. That is what we have been trying to do. When adversity plays come it’s about how you respond. We responded well and held them to a field goal.”

Eagles guard Stacy Andrews took a pay cut to stay in Philly, and they got rid of him anyway.

Per a league source (and as we broke on Twitter, the new portal of record for NFL news in 140-character chunks), the Eagles have shipped Andrews to the Seahawks.

Signed as a free agent from the Bengals in 2009 as a right tackle, the Eagles quickly moved Andrews to guard, at a time when they also employed his brother, Shawn, a former Pro Bowl guard whom they decided to move to tackle.

Andrews recently bristled at suggestions that he was out of the picture in Philly, and he likely welcomes the opportunity for a second fresh start in two years.

It's unclear whether he'll play guard or tackle in Seattle. In Philly, there's a chance he would have played end, guard, and tackle -- and we'll give a free one-year subscription to PFT to anyone who can finish that age-old insult in the comments.

Remember Mike Mitchell? He was the No. 47 overall pick in the 2009 draft, the safety from Ohio University that Mike Mayock and the rest of the nation of draftniks thought Oakland took about five rounds too early.

On Saturday, Mitchell was reportedly the subject of a behind-the-scenes battle between Raiders owner and the team's coaching staff. We'll let you guess who won.

Let's back the story up for a minute. 2010 Seventh-round Raiders safety Stevie Brown practiced on Saturday. He spoke with the media about making the team. But when the Raiders officially released their cuts Saturday afternoon, they still had one move left to make.

Here's where it gets fun.

A former Raiders employee-turned Florida radio host Andy Slater said that Brown was going to get the axe on his Twitter page. This was hours before he news came out. He also reported that "everyone in the organization" except wanted to cut Mitchell instead of Brown. Davis essentially wanted to avoid the P.R. hit and admit he made such a big mistake last year. (Maybe Davis told them Mitchell "is a great player. Get over it.")

Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune breaks down the timeline of Slater's tweets, which are fascinating. It's hard to doubt him when he nailed the news before it happened.

Apparently the coaching staff pushed hard for Brown, who also has impressed teammates. But after the Raiders couldn't find a taker for Mitchell in a trade, they cut Brown. (Even if they didn't officially mention it on their website until very late last night.)

"Let me be clear, for those tweeting me on Mitchell/Raiders, coaches do NOT want him. Addition by subtraction," Slater wrote.

But as we know, coaches don't always get what they want. Especially in Oakland.

Remember Mike Mitchell? He was the No. 47 overall pick in the 2009 draft, the safety from Ohio University that Mike Mayock and the rest of the nation of draftniks thought Oakland took about five rounds too early.

On Saturday, Mitchell was reportedly the subject of a behind-the-scenes battle between Raiders owner and the team's coaching staff. We'll let you guess who won.

Let's back the story up for a minute. 2010 Seventh-round Raiders safety Stevie Brown practiced on Saturday. He spoke with the media about making the team. But when the Raiders officially released their cuts Saturday afternoon, they still had one move left to make.

Here's where it gets fun.

A former Raiders employee-turned Florida radio host Andy Slater said that Brown was going to get the axe on his Twitter page. This was hours before he news came out. He also reported that "everyone in the organization" except wanted to cut Mitchell instead of Brown. Davis essentially wanted to avoid the P.R. hit and admit he made such a big mistake last year. (Maybe Davis told them Mitchell "is a great player. Get over it.")

Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune breaks down the timeline of Slater's tweets, which are fascinating. It's hard to doubt him when he nailed the news before it happened.

Apparently the coaching staff pushed hard for Brown, who also has impressed teammates. But after the Raiders couldn't find a taker for Mitchell in a trade, they cut Brown. (Even if they didn't officially mention it on their website until very late last night.)

"Let me be clear, for those tweeting me on Mitchell/Raiders, coaches do NOT want him. Addition by subtraction," Slater wrote.

But as we know, coaches don't always get what they want. Especially in Oakland.

Just another day in Raider Nation.

Wasn't Brown one of the defensive players that all the media hype prognosticated about?

So, if Brown is so damn good, another team will certainly pick him up. On the other hand, the fanstatic faiders defense is now just that much more suckified...

Remember Mike Mitchell? He was the No. 47 overall pick in the 2009 draft, the safety from Ohio University that Mike Mayock and the rest of the nation of draftniks thought Oakland took about five rounds too early.

On Saturday, Mitchell was reportedly the subject of a behind-the-scenes battle between Raiders owner and the team's coaching staff. We'll let you guess who won.

Let's back the story up for a minute. 2010 Seventh-round Raiders safety Stevie Brown practiced on Saturday. He spoke with the media about making the team. But when the Raiders officially released their cuts Saturday afternoon, they still had one move left to make.

Here's where it gets fun.

A former Raiders employee-turned Florida radio host Andy Slater said that Brown was going to get the axe on his Twitter page. This was hours before he news came out. He also reported that "everyone in the organization" except wanted to cut Mitchell instead of Brown. Davis essentially wanted to avoid the P.R. hit and admit he made such a big mistake last year. (Maybe Davis told them Mitchell "is a great player. Get over it.")

Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune breaks down the timeline of Slater's tweets, which are fascinating. It's hard to doubt him when he nailed the news before it happened.

Apparently the coaching staff pushed hard for Brown, who also has impressed teammates. But after the Raiders couldn't find a taker for Mitchell in a trade, they cut Brown. (Even if they didn't officially mention it on their website until very late last night.)

"Let me be clear, for those tweeting me on Mitchell/Raiders, coaches do NOT want him. Addition by subtraction," Slater wrote.

But as we know, coaches don't always get what they want. Especially in Oakland.

Just another day in Raider Nation.

According to SoCal, this is the correct way to handle the situation.

Ugly Duck

09-07-2010, 12:09 PM

So is Brown any good?

Stevie Brown was all over the ball in preseason. Became a fan favorite real fast. Pulled in 2 INTs & then snagged a blocked kick out of the air & ran it into the end zone... but that was all against scrubs. He's signed on to the Raider practice squad right now but will probably see the field if someone gets hurt or screws up.

SouthStndJunkie

09-11-2010, 12:52 PM

San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis has signed a five-year, $37 million contract extension, making him highest-paid tight end in NFL history, according to league sources.

The deal will pay Davis a guaranteed $23 million, according to sources.

Packers defensive lineman Justin Harrell will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday.

We knew Harrell's injury was serious, and it's not terribly surprising. The 2007 first-round pick has only played in 14 games in four seasons because of injuries. He has two career starts.

Green Bay's defensive line depth could really be tested if they lose another player. Defensive end Johnny Jolly was already suspended indefinitely before the season.

The Packers also confirmed that running back Ryan Grant will miss this week's game against the Bills, so Brandon Jackson will get the start. The Packers have no other tailback on the roster, so they'll have to pick someone up. Fullback John Kuhn is expected to back up Jackson.

Grant is the anti-Harrell. This will only be his second missed game in four seasons.

Packers defensive lineman Justin Harrell will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday.

We knew Harrell's injury was serious, and it's not terribly surprising. The 2007 first-round pick has only played in 14 games in four seasons because of injuries. He has two career starts.

Green Bay's defensive line depth could really be tested if they lose another player. Defensive end Johnny Jolly was already suspended indefinitely before the season.

The Packers also confirmed that running back Ryan Grant will miss this week's game against the Bills, so Brandon Jackson will get the start. The Packers have no other tailback on the roster, so they'll have to pick someone up. Fullback John Kuhn is expected to back up Jackson.

Grant is the anti-Harrell. This will only be his second missed game in four seasons.

I wonder who'll they will get for RB depth...

SouthStndJunkie

09-13-2010, 11:17 AM

Connor Barwin will miss the season

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/3.php

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on September 12, 2010 10:06 PM ET

We told you early Sunday that Texans defensive end Connor Barwin suffered a gruesome injury against the Colts.

Unfortunately, the injury proved as painful as it looked. Barwin is expected to miss the season with a dislocated ankle, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

"That's a tough loss," coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's a fine young player doing some great things for us. They're trying to get the pain under control right now. Obviously, we'll have to fix (surgery) it, but I don't know when."

We know Aaron Schobel says he doesn't want to play, but perhaps this will help Houston offer him a little more money to return to football. Barwin's replacement on Sunday was second-year undrafted Jesse Nading.

Weaver and Jackson were among several Eagles injured in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Starting quarterback Kevin Kolb and linebacker Stewart Bradley also missed some of the game because of concussions.

Reid said Weaver, a Pro Bowl selection last season, will have surgery to repair what he termed a "severe" anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee. Jackson is to undergo surgery this week for a torn triceps muscle.

Weaver and Jackson were among several Eagles injured in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Starting quarterback Kevin Kolb and linebacker Stewart Bradley also missed some of the game because of concussions.

Reid said Weaver, a Pro Bowl selection last season, will have surgery to repair what he termed a "severe" anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee. Jackson is to undergo surgery this week for a torn triceps muscle.

And the owners want an 18 game season... not gonna happen without expanded rosters...

PRBronco

09-13-2010, 11:25 AM

The Eagles got double fisted by injuries yesterday.

Seriously, that was like a pick up basketball game out there.

SouthStndJunkie

09-13-2010, 07:51 PM

It should be noted that on Sunday, Tony Gonzalez became the first tight end in league history to reach 1,000 catches and the seventh player to reach that mark.

Packers defensive lineman Justin Harrell will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday.

We knew Harrell's injury was serious, and it's not terribly surprising. The 2007 first-round pick has only played in 14 games in four seasons because of injuries. He has two career starts.

Green Bay's defensive line depth could really be tested if they lose another player. Defensive end Johnny Jolly was already suspended indefinitely before the season.

The Packers also confirmed that running back Ryan Grant will miss this week's game against the Bills, so Brandon Jackson will get the start. The Packers have no other tailback on the roster, so they'll have to pick someone up. Fullback John Kuhn is expected to back up Jackson.

Grant is the anti-Harrell. This will only be his second missed game in four seasons.

There were a lot of people here screaming for this guy in round 1 too.

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that Sanders, the Colts safety who is one of the best defensive players in the league when he's actually able to get on the field, has a torn biceps tendon and is out indefinitely.

It's not completely clear whether Sanders is done for the season, but that certainly appears to be a possibility. PFT has been hearing since Sunday, when Sanders exited the Colts' loss to the Texans early, that rumors were flying of a season-ending injury.

Sanders won the 2007 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award and has played in just nine regular-season games since then.

Naggle Nole

09-14-2010, 11:46 AM

Can we finally stick a fork in Bob Sanders now? :welcome:

SouthStndJunkie

09-14-2010, 12:14 PM

There were a lot of season ending injuries in Week One.

crush17

09-14-2010, 12:18 PM

Yeesh sucks for Sanders. Injury after injury... that defense is completely different when he's in/out.

Leave it to Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis(notes) to say the unpredictable.

And then leave it to Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post to mine that nugget that shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Portis was at it this morning during his visit on The Fan 106.7 in Washington. He was asked about the locker room incident in New York that has led the NFL to investigate the treatment of TV Azteca reporter Ines Sainz by the Jets. There was reportedly inappropriate behavior involved and the team and league are looking into the matter. For what it’s worth, Sainz has said she does not have plans to sue for harassment.

So, the hosts brought up the topic with Portis, who was not aware of the brouhaha that preceded the Jets’ lousy performance Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Brought quickly up to speed on the issue, Portis weighed in and it’s best just to leave these remarks to Clinton. Again, special thanks to Steinberg for doing the dirty work – transcribing the interview with his own bit of flair.

“You know man, I think you put women reporters in the locker room in positions to see guys walking around naked, and you sit in the locker room with 53 guys, and all of the sudden you see a nice woman in the locker room, I think men are gonna tend to turn and look and want to say something to that woman,” Portis said, “For the woman, I think they make it so much that you can't interact and you can't be involved with athletes, you can't talk to these guys, you can't interact with these guys.

"And I mean, you put a woman and you give her a choice of 53 athletes, somebody got to be appealing to her. You know, somebody got to spark her interest, or she's gonna want somebody. I don't know what kind of woman won't, if you get to go and look at 53 men's packages. And you're just sitting here, saying 'Oh, none of this is attractive to me.' I know you're doing a job, but at the same time, the same way I'm gonna cut my eye if I see somebody worth talking to, I'm sure they do the same thing."

That’s probably not the message the NFL wants out there, either.

Beantown Bronco

09-14-2010, 12:41 PM

You're doing yourself a severe disservice if you don't do an Internet search for pics of this reporter. Wow.

bronco militia

09-14-2010, 12:41 PM

awesome...

thanks CP, someone had to say it

bronco militia

09-14-2010, 12:46 PM

http://img.listal.com/image/867996/600full-ines-sainz.jpg

black mans kryptonite

crush17

09-14-2010, 12:47 PM

you're doing yourself a severe disservice if you don't do an internet search for pics of this reporter. Wow.

From DenverPost.com by Klis
Roster moves
The Broncos reached an injury settlement with wide receiver Brandon Stokley and he was formally released off the team's injured reserve list today.
Defensive lineman Lionel Dotson was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the Broncos practice squad. The Broncos also released linebacker Worrell Williams from the practice squad - D.J. Williams' brother.
Defensive lineman Jeff Stehle, who was with the Broncos in training camp, and linebacker Titus Brown were signed to the practice squad.

Legwold contributed to this report.

SouthStndJunkie

09-22-2010, 02:04 PM

Despite contract terms with more than one team, no Vincent Jackson trade

The deadline for trading receiver Vincent Jackson has come and gone, and the player remains the property of the Chargers.

Agent Neil Schwartz tells us that he had worked out with more than one team an acceptable contract for Jackson, and that the deal did not get done.

Schwartz blames the lack of a deal on the Chargers' demands.

"Other General Managers felt that the Chargers were being totally unreasonable," Schwartz told us by phone.

"Archie Manning had it right about this organization," Schwartz said.

UPDATE: Schwartz's partner, Jonathan Feinsod, offered up a similar quote to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "Archie Manning had it right," Feinsod said. "They call [G.M. A.J. Smith] the Lord of No Rings for a reason."

SouthStndJunkie

09-22-2010, 02:05 PM

"We had multiple offers and the Chargers squashed them all," Jonathan Feinsod, one of Jackson's agents, said.

The Minnesota Vikings were willing to give up a second-round draft choice and an additional conditional pick to the Chargers, a source said. Another source said Jackson had even worked out a financial package with the Vikings.

Br0nc0Buster

09-22-2010, 02:07 PM

so the Chargers are just gonna let him sit and not trade him to what stick it to him?

Posted by Michael David Smith on September 22, 2010 4:59 PM ET
Tanard Jackson started the first two games of the season at free safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he won't play again this year.

Jackson has been suspended indefinitely for another violation of the league's substance-abuse policy. He'll be eligible to apply for reinstatement in a year.

It's the second suspension in as many years for Jackson, who was also suspended for the first four games of the 2009 season. At that time he vowed to make changes in his life.

"I'm definitely disappointed in myself," Jackson said in August of 2009, when the four-game suspension was announced. "I let my team down, obviously, and I've let a lot of people down. The fans - I'd like to apologize to them for the decisions I've made that got me into this situation. . . . I definitely have some off-the-field issues that I have to address for the well being of myself and for the well being of this football team."

In announcing the suspension today, Bucs GM Mark Dominik said, "Tanard is a talented young man whom we hope is able to use this year to put his troubles behind him and ultimately return a stronger man and player. It's up to Tanard whether the team and our fans eventually realize his considerable promise."

Other than that four-game suspension, Jackson has started every single game for the Buccaneers since they drafted him in 2007. He's obviously a talented player, and at age 25 he still has time to get his life together. Here's hoping he does.

Tom Cable said Monday that choosing a starting quarterback for the Raiders was his decision and his decision alone. He's chosen Bruce Gradkowski.

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network broke the news, and it can't be seen as a huge surprise. While Jason Campbell's benching was a stunning move at the time, it would have been just as surprising to go back to Campbell against the Cardinals this week.

Gradkowski led the Raiders offense on a comeback win against St. Louis, and moved the ball better than Campbell did in Campbell's six quarters at the helm.

Kevin Kolb can only dream of getting such a long opportunity to prove himself.

bronco militia

09-22-2010, 02:31 PM

[B]

Kevin Kolb can only dream of getting such a long opportunity to prove himself.

LOL

florio is a racist!

SouthStndJunkie

09-22-2010, 02:31 PM

Solid decision by Oakland.

I'm a little biased, but Gradkowski is an underrated QB.

Bruce Gradkowski is a little like Jeff Garcia (but straight).

Undersized, tough, fiery, and more athletic than he is given credit for.

Neither have a cannon for an arm, but they get the ball where it needs to be just fine.

oubronco

09-22-2010, 02:40 PM

Heard on NFLN that several teams have contacted Philly about Kolb

SouthStndJunkie

09-22-2010, 02:54 PM

Heard on NFLN that several teams have contacted Philly about Kolb

Yep....I've heard the Browns are very interested.

Tom Heckert, Cleveland's GM, was the Eagles' GM when the team selected Kolb in the second round of the 2007 draft.

SouthStndJunkie

09-22-2010, 02:57 PM

If I were Philly, I would hang on to Kevin Kolb for the time being.

Teams will start game planning for Vick....he's only been kicking butt for 6 quarters of football.

Plus, he is one mistake away from being 86ed from the NFL for a long time.

The Eagles would be wise to hold on to both QBs through this year and then make a decision for the future.

SouthStndJunkie

09-22-2010, 03:00 PM

That said, I've enjoyed watching Michael Vick playing football again.

He's served his time and tarnished his name.

crush17

09-22-2010, 03:13 PM

Vick will get injured again soon enough.

Tombstone RJ

09-22-2010, 04:07 PM

Iggles would be very short sighted if they delt Kolb away. Right now, Reid is playing the guy who he thinks gives the team the best chance to win now. But as others have suggested, Vick is one incident away from being kicked out of the NFL, and one play away from being too banged up to play...

That One Guy

09-22-2010, 04:56 PM

I wonder how many firsts a team like TB or Buffalo would give for Vick right now.

SouthStndJunkie

09-22-2010, 04:58 PM

I wonder how many firsts a team like TB or Buffalo would give for Vick right now.

Right now....none.

That One Guy

09-22-2010, 05:01 PM

Right now....none.

Probably true but he'd be their answer right now. No supporting talent, the flash factor to get fans, the dog fighting thing basically forgotten about...

But, the answer for Jax was Tebow and they passed...

Killericon

09-22-2010, 05:04 PM

I wonder how many firsts a team like TB or Buffalo would give for Vick right now.

There is no team in the NFL that would give up a first round draft pick for Vick.

oubronco

09-22-2010, 05:10 PM

I wonder what they are asking for Kolb? It would be a mistake to get rid of him after one and half games starting and really the only reason it was a half game was the concussion. Kinda strange circumstance to want to trade him

WolfpackGuy

09-22-2010, 05:18 PM

I wonder how many firsts a team like TB or Buffalo would give for Vick right now.

Freeman is pretty solid for a second year guy.

But yeah, Buffalo's QBs are awful.

Mr.Meanie

09-22-2010, 05:20 PM

I wonder how many firsts a team like TB or Buffalo would give for Vick right now.

BUF will most likely have the top overall pick in the draft, and can get their QBOTF. TB just spent a 1st on their QB.

Cutler using talent as well as tools Bears have provided
Jay Cutler QB playing with smarts and composure he hadn't displayed
Dan Pompei

8:01 p.m. CDT, September 23, 2010

At 233 pounds, Jay Cutler is scrawny for an offensive lineman.

But he is becoming his own best pass protector in Mike Martz's offense. And that's a good thing because the Bears' linemen could use a little help.

How is Cutler becoming an honorary offensive lineman?

• He is moving to avoid the pass rush.
Whether it's rolling out, stepping up in the pocket, dancing around to buy time or taking off and running, Cutler is using his feet to avoid sacks. His mobility is being utilized better this year, both as a defense mechanism and as an attack mechanism.

"It makes me nervous, but we do have to do it because it's a strength of his," Martz said. "He likes it. He's very good at it. It does put pressure on the defense when you have a quarterback as mobile as he is."

• He's throwing the ball away.

He did it four times Sunday against the Cowboys, which may have been a career high. In the past, Cutler has been more prone to throw the ball at a defender than at a sideline cameraman.

The new philosophy has been drilled into him.

"When he's unclear about where the ball is supposed to go and things are not the way they are supposed to be, he has to get rid of the ball quickly," Martz said. "We'll line up and either punt it or get another down. Don't risk the turnover. Take a throwaway or sack. Not a turnover."

• He is identifying unblocked pass rushers and responding accordingly.

Depending on which protection is called, Cutler sometimes is required to adjust if there are more pass rushers than blockers.

It happened Sunday. The Cowboys had a seven-man rush against a five-man protection late in the first quarter. There was no one to block Anthony Spencer off the right edge of the defense, so Cutler responded with a quick throw to Greg Olsen. Result: 39-yard touchdown.

• He is hanging on to the ball.

Before this season, Cutler fumbled once every 56 dropbacks. This season he has one fumble in 69 dropbacks. And there were at least two more times when he wouldn't have been blamed for fumbling as he had to outwrestle defenders for the ball.

This is not happenstance.

Every day Cutler goes through a ball security drill in which defenders rush him in the pocket and try to get the ball out of his hands.

It's one of several drills Martz has instituted to help Cutler respond to the rush.

"(Quarterbacks coach) Shane Day works with him every day for 30 minutes," Martz said. "Ball security in the pocket, pocket mobility, protecting the ball, pulling it away from the rush, stepping up, moving and getting in a window, balance, footwork — all the fundamentals, they drill that every single day. They are relentless with it."

Cutler never had responded well to pressure. It was a knock — justifiably — when he came out of Vanderbilt that he would throw the ball up for grabs when the heat was on. He has done a lot of foolish things with a defender in his grill. That's how he led the NFL in interceptions last year.

Now, Martz marvels at how Cutler is aware, calm and in control of his game.

And why shouldn't he be? Cutler shows up at 5:50 a.m. and even comes in on some days off, according to Martz. Cutler has the demeanor of a quarterback who has been coached well and is completely comfortable with his role.

Good coaching and experience appear to have intersected at the right time for the Bears. If Cutler had responded as poorly to pressure this year as he had in the past, the results could have been disastrous given the Bears' pass protection issues.

"Every quarterback matures a little bit," Cutler said.

Some even grow into offensive linemen.
-------------------------------------------

Cutler may have finally matured.

DeuceOfClub

09-24-2010, 08:36 AM

Brett Favre may reach two huge milestones on Sunday:

He needs 275 yards passing to reach 70,000 career passing yards.

He is 2 TD passes away from reaching 500 career TD passes.

He would be the first player to reach either of those marks.

And he's only 12 interceptions away from 333.

worm

09-24-2010, 08:39 AM

Good Cutler article.

I am not a Martz fan...but he is getting results..even with that hideous line.

Raiders rookie linebacker Rolando McClain picked up Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola on Sunday and slammed him into the infield dirt at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

As a result, he's been fined $5,000.

On first viewing I referred to the tackle as a body slam, but watching the video again I'd have to say it was really more of a belly-to-back suplex. Either way, it was a move seen more often in a WWE ring than a football field, and it's actually a little surprising that McClain wasn't fined more than $5,000.

McClain's 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty helped to set up a Rams touchdown.

Unnecessary perhaps, but not worthy of a fine. The Broncos Eric Decker and Parrish Cox both got fines as well. Decker, $5k for a late hit and Cox $7.5k for a throat slash. Seriously, $7500 for a throat slash? Sucks for him, 5th rounders don't make a ton to begin with, $7500 pulled out of his game check will leave him with about half of his normal take home. The upside...bet he doesn't do that throat slash again.

cutthemdown

09-25-2010, 08:23 AM

I don't see what's wrong with that tackle.

You can't body slam it's a penalty.

WolfpackGuy

09-25-2010, 08:26 AM

It was like the Robert Ayers/Jammal Charles slam.

Except McClain's was BEFORE the whistle...

HAT

09-25-2010, 08:40 AM

Fined for that? Weak. Shouldn't even be a penalty.

SouthStndJunkie

09-27-2010, 08:33 AM

A day after 49ers coach Mike Singletary said Jimmy Raye would be the offensive coordinator for the rest of the season, Raye was fired by San Francisco, a team source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson was promoted to lead play caller, the source said. Johnson becomes the 49ers' eighth offensive coordinator in eight seasons.

George Blanda, one of the toughest and most unique players in NFL history, has passed away.

Blanda was the league's all-time leading scorer when he retired in 1976 after 26 seasons as a quarterback/place-kicker. A first-ballot Hall of Famer, Blanda played with the Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers, and finally with the Oakland Raiders. He won AFL titles with the Oilers in 1960 and 1961.

Blanda started out as just a kicker in Chicago, but he became a record setting quarterback in Houston. He's perhaps best known for being the most improbable Player of the Year award winner (then called the Bert Bell Award) in history at age 43.

Cut at the beginning of the 1970 season and 12 seasons after his first retirement, Blanda went on an insane five-week run where he either replaced Raiders quarterback Daryle LaMonica to lead the Raiders to a comeback victory or kicked a winning or tying field goal. Every single week.

The book America's Game describes how Blanda's story in 1970 broke normal boundaries. He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Time, and Newsweek. He was joked about by Johnny Carson. He symbolized a new kind of life after 40.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of the great George Blanda," the Raiders said in a statement. "George was a brave Raider and a close personal friend of Raiders Owner Al Davis."

Blanda is the placekicker on the All-Time AFL Team and didn't retire until he was 49 years old. He was 83. We sent our thoughts to the Blandas and his extended football family.

SouthStndJunkie

09-28-2010, 12:33 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=5626300

Roy Williams pays back Dez Bryant

Ouch....a dinner tab of $54,896.

Kaylore

09-28-2010, 12:41 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=5626300

Roy Williams pays back Dez Bryant

Ouch....a dinner tab of $54,896.

LOL I'd carry someone's pads naked for half that. What an idiot.

Beantown Bronco

09-28-2010, 12:45 PM

LOL I'd carry someone's pads naked for half that. What an idiot.

Isn't that how Kuper got the restraining order against you in the first place?

SouthStndJunkie

09-28-2010, 12:49 PM

"They got the young fella," said Bryant's adviser, David Wells. "What could he say? He had to pay it unless he wanted to wash dishes for a month."

Last hour, Mike Dempsey of 1010XL and I spent a large chunk of our weekly spot talking about whether the Jaguars would claim former Bills quarterback Trent Edwards. Dempsey finished the subject by pointing out that we'd find out the answer at 4:00 p.m. ET.

And we have.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Jaguars have been awarded Edwards' contract on waivers.

Edwards joins a team that currently has David Garrard at the top of the depth chart. Following a breakthrough performance in 2007, which came after coach Jack Del Rio made an all-in gamble on Garrard, the former East Carolina quarterback has seen his game fall apart. Through three games, his passer rating falls on the wrong side of the Kordoza line.

And the thinking has been that, if the team had anyone better than Todd Bouman behind Garrard, Garrard's behind would be on the bench.

With Edwards in the fold, that could happen soon.

In three-plus seasons, Edwards has started 32 games. His best season came in 2008, with 2,699 yards passing and a 65.5 percent completion percentage in 14 starts.

With Larry Fitzgerald slow out of the gates, Breaston actually leads the Cardinals with 14 catches for 183 yards through three games. Arizona is also without third receiver Early Doucet, who is coming off groin surgery.

The Cardinals are likely going to have to rely on undrafted rookie Stephen Williams. Another undrafted rookie Max Komar could be No. 4. Derek Anderson, meanwhile, is playing behind a reconfigured and struggling offensive line.

Kurt Warner should be glad he's retired right about now.

TonyR

10-01-2010, 06:02 AM

Tomlinson's teammates take up for him
Posted by Mike Florio on September 30, 2010 10:56 PM ET

One of the biggest surprises of the young season has come in New York, where veteran running back LaDainian Tomlinson has gained 208 yards, averaging an eye-popping 5.6 yards per carry. Tomlinson has quieted critics who believed that he was washed up, although it remains to be seen whether he'll hold up over the long haul of the season.

Regardless of how the story unfolds, Tomlinson has won over his new teammates, who have lined up to fire back at Tomlinson's old ones.

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports has compiled a stream of quotes from Jets players in response to the shots fired by Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Chargers tight end Antonio Gates at Tomlinson.

Said tackle Damien Woody: "Yeah, we all saw that. It was kind of like nuke missiles flying from the other side It's unfortunate that somebody would say something after you leave. What does that say about you? We've got his back 100 percent. I've been telling people, LT's still got a lot of giddy-up in his legs. San Diego is Philip Rivers' team now. A lot has changed. They have an aerial attack -- it's like their receivers are basketball players and they're playing alley-oop. So when they go to run the ball, they can't. We practice that every day. Rex calls it ground and pound."

Said linebacker Jason Taylor: "I think it's very disappointing that guys would do that. It's a little unprofessional. If you call the guy a friend, you ought not to do that. If you had an issue, you should speak to him face-to-face."

Linebacker Bart Scott was slightly more blunt. (Imagine that.) "Man up," Scott said. "Drop your balls. Have a pair. Say it. LT's a lot classier than I am. I'd have fired back with an atomic bomb."

Even coach Rex Ryan got in on the act, too. "Yeah, I think it's hilarious," Ryan told Silver. "Here's one of the finest players in the history of your organization, if not the finest, and a former NFL Man of the Year. Every franchise would love to have a person and player like that. And they're taking shots at that guy? We've got a great back in LaDainian. He's tremendous. Does he look like he's through? Absolutely not. He's strong. He looks fast. He looks tremendous to me."

So far, Tomlinson has indeed been tremendous; a 21-yard run early in the second quarter of Sunday night's win over the Dolphins proved that Tomlinson still has that old burst, the one that he was supposedly too old to pull off. Shonn Greene, who was presumed by many to be poised to develop into a high-end tailback, has only 106 yards, with an anemic average of 3.5 per carry.

In eight trips inside the 20-yard line this season, the Eagles have scored seven touchdowns for a conversion rate of 87.5 percent. The one trip into the red zone without a touchdown ended in a David Akers field goal.

The Redskins, on the other hand, are tied for last in the league with Pittsburgh with a 22 percent red zone conversion rate, scoring just two touchdowns on nine crossings of the 20-yard line.

Saw this in my local paper today, thought it was interesting both that Shanny is picking up right where he left off and that Pittsburgh, despite being perhaps the best team in the league thus far this season, is having red zone issues apparently worse than ours. How is that possible?

Missouribronc

10-01-2010, 06:15 AM

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports has compiled a stream of quotes from Jets players in response to the shots fired by Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Chargers tight end Antonio Gates at Tomlinson.

So far, Tomlinson has indeed been tremendous; a 21-yard run early in the second quarter of Sunday night's win over the Dolphins proved that Tomlinson still has that old burst, the one that he was supposedly too old to pull off. Shonn Greene, who was presumed by many to be poised to develop into a high-end tailback, has only 106 yards, with an anemic average of 3.5 per carry.[/I]

LT wanted to move on and wasn't happy. No big secret. I hope he has a great season with the Jets.

Rock Chalk

10-01-2010, 07:31 PM

LT wanted to move on and wasn't happy. No big secret. I hope he has a great season with the Jets.

No, Norv completely screwed the best player SD has ever had. Instead of letting the dude finish his career in SD, they treated him like second hand trash because Rivers is a bitch and wants to throw the ball more when if not for LT SD is still a ****hole of a club and consistently getting top 5 picks every year.

Classy organization that treats their most legendary player like that. Yes, better than Fouts, better than Winslow Sr the Racist. LT is BY FAR the best SD has ever had.

SouthStndJunkie

10-03-2010, 05:56 PM

Charles Woodson with another INT and a TD for the Pack today.

That dude has made the HOF while with Green Bay.

29 INTs in a little over 4 years with 8 TDs and 10 forced fumbles....add in 6 sacks for ****s and grins.

That is almost 10 turnovers a year during his games with them.

Rohirrim

10-04-2010, 07:21 AM

Raiders draw less than 30,000 for home game. ;D
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/10/03/raiders-texans-not-a-hit/

azbroncfan

10-04-2010, 12:54 PM

Charles Woodson with another INT and a TD for the Pack today.

That dude has made the HOF while with Green Bay.

29 INTs in a little over 4 years with 8 TDs and 10 forced fumbles....add in 6 sacks for ****s and grins.

So much for the Buffalo Bills driving a hard bargain when it comes to a possible trade of running back Marshawn Lynch.

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the Seahawks have finagled Lynch from the Bills for a fourth-round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012.

As recently as Monday, the prevailing word was that, even though Lynch wanted out, the Bills wouldn't be trading him.

Now they have. And the 2-2 Seahawks have picked up a potentially powerful weapon for their run at the NFC West crown.

Meanwhile, the Packers continue to have no one to run the ball. As we pointed out in this week's power rankings, the pass-heavy attack should be working really well when the weather turns at Lambeau Field.

Lynch is under contract through 2012, but it's possible that the sixth year of his rookie deal voids.

So much for the Buffalo Bills driving a hard bargain when it comes to a possible trade of running back Marshawn Lynch.

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the Seahawks have finagled Lynch from the Bills for a fourth-round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012.

As recently as Monday, the prevailing word was that, even though Lynch wanted out, the Bills wouldn't be trading him.

Now they have. And the 2-2 Seahawks have picked up a potentially powerful weapon for their run at the NFC West crown.

Meanwhile, the Packers continue to have no one to run the ball. As we pointed out in this week's power rankings, the pass-heavy attack should be working really well when the weather turns at Lambeau Field.

Lynch is under contract through 2012, but it's possible that the sixth year of his rookie deal voids.

And what did we give up for Maroney?

azbroncfan

10-05-2010, 12:03 PM

And what did we give up for Maroney?

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=93626

WABronco

10-05-2010, 12:09 PM

**** me.

BMarsh615

10-05-2010, 12:36 PM

Bears signed DE Charles Grant to a one-year contract and terminate the contract of vested veteran DE Mark Anderson.

http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/26483116504

McD should cut Jarvis Moss and bring in Anderson to help the passrush out.

Br0nc0Buster

10-05-2010, 12:38 PM

Bears signed DE Charles Grant to a one-year contract and terminate the contract of vested veteran DE Mark Anderson.

http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/26483116504

McD should cut Jarvis Moss and bring in Anderson to help the passrush out.

yeah I wouldnt mind taking a look at Anderson
as a rush specialist he did some damage his rookie year

Moss is useless

Br0nc0Buster

10-05-2010, 05:56 PM

Rumors flying around that Randy Moss is about to get traded to the Vikings

Supposedly he asked for a trade after week 1 and he is gone if his agent and Minnesota can reach an agreement

Cleveland Browns FB/RB Peyton Hillis suffered an injured thigh during Thursday’s practice and was added to the injury report. Hillis was listed as limited.

The third-year pro was acquired earlier this year from the Denver Broncos in exchange for QB Brady Quinn. Draft selections were also involved in the trade, but it’s apparent that the Browns have gotten the better end of the deal so far.

Hillis is tied for eighth in the NFL in rushing yards with 322 and is tied for first with rushing touchdowns with four. Quinn has not taken a snap from center in Denver’s four games this season.

Should Hillis not be able to suit up against the visiting Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, RB Jerome Harrison (thigh) would start. Harrison practiced for the second straight day on Thursday.

— Adam Caplan

I found the thread in my rep! I should have looked there when the search failed.

80smith

10-07-2010, 07:52 PM

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Jay Cutler was in helmet and pads at practice Thursday, but don't expect to see him on the field when the Chicago Bears visit the Carolina Panthers this weekend.

The quarterback will sit out Sunday's game against the Panthers with a concussion -- the result of being sacked nine times in the first half of last weekend's loss to the New York Giants

Diabetics have bulging eyes so lets hope he never gets hit in the back of the head those suckers might just pop out. It would be awful to see those baby blues draped over the face guard hanging by their optic nerves.

Before he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, Randy Moss got into a catfight with Tom Brady about, all of things, his facial hair.

According to Charley Casserly of CBS, Brady and Moss had a verbal altercation before the trade and that the pair had to be separated. During the spat, Brady told his receiver to shave his beard. Moss responded that Brady should cut his hair, because he looks like a girl.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Chargers and McNeill have reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension.

McNeill had started every game but two for the Chargers over the first four seasons of his career, but he hasn't played for the Chargers yet this year after waiting until September to sign his one-year tender offer as a restricted free agent.

But now McNeill and the Chargers have put any contractual differences behind them.

Restricted free agent receiver Vincent Jackson, on the other hand, has still made no progress with the Chargers.

PFT's Mike Florio reports that the Saints signed Julius Jones, per a league source.

The move indicates a few things. First, perhaps Pierre Thomas isn't a lock to return to the lineup this week. Saints coach Sean Payton also can't be thrilled with his tandem of Ladell Betts and Chris Ivory.

Both Betts and Ivory have put up decent stats, but Betts had a fumble and dropped a pass against the Cardinals that resulted in an interception. Ivory has struggled with fumbles and pass protection.

It's unclear what corresponding roster move the Saints will make with Jones coming aboard.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Patriots have acquired wide receiver Deion Branch in a trade with the Seahawks.

Branch played for the Patriots from 2002 to 2005 and won a Super Bowl MVP award. He's played in Seattle since 2006 and never became the No. 1 receiver the Seahawks hoped he would be.

Now he's back with his original team, and Tom Brady's new target is one of his favorite old targets.

Did they use our 4th or their 4th round pick?

Killericon

10-12-2010, 03:13 PM

Did they use our 4th or their 4th round pick?

Whichever one is higher, is how the deal went down.

Beantown Bronco

10-12-2010, 04:32 PM

Kind of odd considering they only got a third for Moss. Not much of a value difference between the two, yet there is a HUGE talent discrepancy. The Pats got jobbed.

TonyR

10-13-2010, 06:14 PM

Reading this I see we're not the only ones who've had to deal with a lot of injuries...

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid has not ruled out quarterback Michael Vick for Sunday's game against his old team the Atlanta Falcons.

Kevin Kolb is still expected to start in place of Vick, who is recovering from a rib cartilage injury, but Reid said Wednesday that Vick could return to practice by the end of the week. If that does not happen, the former Pro Bowl quarterback would miss his second game.

"He's still recovering," Reid said. "He started to lift some, but he's not throwing. We'll just see how he progresses. Kevin will take the reps at practice."

Vick hurt himself during the first quarter of the Eagles' loss to the Washington Redskins and missed last week's game against the San Francisco 49ers, when Kolb led the team to victory. Vick could sit out next weekend at Tennessee, too, because the Eagles have a bye week after that.

In other injury news, defensive tackle Broderick Bunkley will skip surgery after hurting his elbow last Sunday in San Francisco and try to make it back on the field in a few weeks. Bunkley is expected to be doubtful against the Falcons.

"Originally, it looked like he needed surgery," Reid said. "After the doctors met it was decided, let's give him an opportunity to rehab, brace it up and give him some time. It's a stretch for him to go this week, but we'll see from there."

Reid said veteran defensive tackles Trevor Laws and Antonio Dixon will rotate in place of Bunkley next to starter Mike Patterson.

"It's a loss, a huge loss," Patterson said. "The guys who are the backups have to step up now. Trevor and Dixon, they have to come up big for us."

Left tackle Jason Peters tore the meniscus in his knee in last Sunday's win over San Francisco and will have arthroscopic surgery Thursday. There was no timetable for his return, and third-year man King Dunlap will make his first career start in the NFL.

"I have confidence in King," Reid said. "There were a few plays last week he'd like to have back. I'm sure he would tell you that. But he did OK."

Running back LeSean McCoy, who played last week with a broken rib and and gained 138 total yards against San Francisco, sat out of practice but is expected back by the end of the week. One of his key blockers, left guard Todd Herremans, also sat out with a sore knee but expects to be back on the field as soon as Thursday.

On a more positive note, Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel nd backup wide receiver Riley Cooper ere back at practice Wednesday. Both missed last week's game after concussions.

The Eagles have had 11 players miss game with injuries already this season, including starting center Jamaal Jackson and fullback Leonard Weaver, who are on injured reserve.

The last remaining pair of unsigned restricted free agents are coming back to work. Just not quite yet.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that wide receiver Vincent Jackson will report to the Chargers by October 31 and Patriots guard Logan Mankins will report to the Patriots by November 16 after the NFLPA recommended they do so.

The players need to show up by those dates to earn an accrued season and avoid the possibility of being restricted free agents again next year, regardless of what happens with the next collective bargaining agreement. Both players should play six games this season.

The dates are different because the Chargers placed Jackson on the roster exempt list. Like his teammate Marcus McNeill, Jackson will have to wait three weeks after he reports before he can play in a regular season game.

The NFLPA sought to clarify the matter in recent weeks to make sure the players would be protected in 2011 and that teams couldn't possibly bar them from reporting. The news doesn't come as a big surprise because we mentioned a similar report last week. Mankins' agent also didn't rule out a return.

It's important to note Mortensen leaves open the possibility that the players could report before their deadline date. Perhaps the return date could be influenced by contract talks.

When McNeill returned, he quickly got a new contract. It wouldn't be a shock if that happened with Mankins, but it would be very surprising if the Chargers signed Jackson long term.

SouthStndJunkie

10-15-2010, 08:32 AM

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the league announced Friday.

Though the article is mainly about Tampa, here's my favorite part, which talks about the Raiders:

Their fans haven't seen a home game on television since the 2009 home opener, they've had 10 straight home games blacked out and they've missed 79 of the Raiders' past 123 home games since the team moved back to Oakland from Los Angeles in 1995.

Posted by Michael David Smith on October 18, 2010 1:01 PM ET
Former NFL linebacker Junior Seau, who was arrested early this morning on domestic violence charges, is reportedly hospitalized after driving his SUV off a cliff.

TMZ is reporting that Seau drove his SUV off a cliff in Carlsbad, California, this morning, just hours after he was released from the Vista Detention Facility. He survived the crash but was injured and transported to a local hospital.

A photo that appears to show Seau's SUV at the bottom of a cliff near a beach has been published by TMZ.

Seau is in his first year of retirement from the NFL after playing his 20th and final NFL season in 2009 for the Patriots. He has always had a reputation as a pillar of the community, and his Seau Foundation raises money for child abuse prevention and college scholarships, among other causes.

Sunday's cavalcade of helmet-to-helmet hits could inspire real change in how such penalties are policed moving forward.

NFL vice president Ray Anderson told the The Associated Press the league may start suspending players for dangerous helmet-to-helmet hits. (They are listening to Rodney Harrison apparently.)

The change could take place immediatley. "Going forward there are certain hits that occurred that will be more susceptible to suspension," Anderson said.

The league could go even further after the season.

"[Anderson] said NFL could change rules after the season to ban all hits with helmets," Judy Battista of the New York Times relays.

So who could be suspended? Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather, Steelers linebacker James Harrison, and Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson would seem to be in the most danger. Robinson would be an especially tough hit to police because of where he made contact with Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson.

Anderson says he can handle any criticism.

"If we've got to face the backlash of those who say we're making the game too soft, then so be it," he told the New York Times.

The New England Patriots are unlikely to deal guard Logan Mankins before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, according to a league source.

There's no need to fret about missing any games. You can watch every contest again with Game Rewind. Get more information here.
The Patriots are seeking a first-round draft pick or a high second-round selection for the two-time Pro Bowl guard, according to the source. Mankins has refused to sign his contract tender, and no team has met the Patriots' trade threshold to this point.

Mankins also is seeking a deal worth about $8 million per season -- which would put him in line with the top interior linemen in the game. If he isn't traded, Mankins will have to report by Nov. 16 to ensure he gets an accrued season and will not be a restricted free agent again.

According to league sources, Mankins plans to sign his tender by then if he isn't dealt.

There's some very bad injury news out today for the Indianapolis Colts.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Colts tight end Dallas Clark has a hand/wrist injury that will sideline him indefinitely, if not for the season.

It's not known what, exactly, the nature of the injury is, but whatever it is, a hand/wrist injury isn't something a receiving tight end can just play through. This sounds like a significant injury to one of the Colts' most important players.

Colts coach Jim Caldwell said Clark is "being evaluated" but gave no other details.

The news on Dallas Clark's injured wrist is about as bad as it could possibly be.

The Colts announced today that Clark, their Pro Bowl tight end, needs season-ending wrist surgery. He will go on injured reserve.

"It's unfortunate, but it's been confirmed that surgery is necessary to repair the injury to my wrist," Clark said in a statement released by the team. "I have met with three great surgeons, Dr. [Arthur] Rettig of the Colts, Dr. [Thomas] Wiedrich in Chicago and Dr. [Thomas] Graham in Cleveland. All three have helped me and my family out tremendously during this process. I look forward to supporting my teammates the rest of this season and rehabilitating my wrist back to full strength for next season."

Clark has been the Colts' starting tight end since they drafted him in 2003. This season he's third on the team with 37 catches for 347 yards, and second on the team with three touchdowns.

oubronco

10-22-2010, 11:24 AM

Why can't these things happen before they play the Broncos

Beantown Bronco

10-22-2010, 11:31 AM

Why can't these things happen before they play the Broncos

It did. He'll still be out when we play them again in January.

oubronco

10-22-2010, 11:33 AM

It did. He'll still be out when we play them again in January.

Nice thinking :thumbsup:

Kaylore

10-22-2010, 12:30 PM

That's a huge loss for the Colts. Clark was a critical third ingredient that let the Colts set up a lot of what they wanted to do on offense.

SouthStndJunkie

10-25-2010, 11:58 AM

Steven Jackson became the leading rusher in franchise history of the Rams, passing Eric Dickerson for the top spot. Jackson finished the game with 110 yards against the Bucs on 22 carries, and he now has 7,324 rushing yards for his career.

Rohirrim

10-25-2010, 12:01 PM

Steven Jackson became the leading rusher in franchise history of the Rams, passing Eric Dickerson for the top spot. Jackson finished the game with 110 yards against the Bucs on 22 carries, and he now has 7,324 rushing yards for his career.

That's amazing. Seems so quick to reach that mark. I remember Eric Dickerson. He had such an upright style that you never thought he would last long in the NFL, but he just had such a sixth sense about contact and was always able to avoid the big hits. Plus, he wore every piece of equipment Riddell ever came up with. Ha!

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 25, 2010 11:23 AM ET Jerramy Stevens' Bucs career essentially ended when he was arrested for possession of cannabis with intent to sell on Saturday night.

The Bucs benched Stevens Sunday, and announced they released him on Monday.

The transaction will probably mark the end of Stevens' NFL career, as well. His long history of off-field problems, not to mention his age and skill set, should make him hands off for the rest of the NFL.

The best team in the NFC also promoted tight end Ryan Purvis to the active roster.

As Florio pointed out Sunday, the only questions remaining with Stevens regard the curious timing of the arrest, and whether a Stevens trial could implicate others on the team.

SouthStndJunkie

10-25-2010, 04:36 PM

It's about time that turd got flushed....he is a real piece of ****.

Broncoman13

10-25-2010, 04:41 PM

It's about time that turd got flushed....he is a real piece of ****.

The most interesting (and surprising) part of that story... Tampa Bay, the best team in the NFC. Does Raa Raa Rahaaaahahaaa Morris really know what he is doing or are the Bucs lucking up?

Shortly after noon ET, we shared with you rumors from the Dolphins locker room that quarterback Chad Henne could be benched for quarterback Chad Pennington.

And it's happened.

Per multiple reports, Sparano made the disclosure at a Wednesday press conference. As a result, Pennington is the new starter.

"This is not an indictment on Chad Henne, not an indictment on his future," Sparano said, via Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "At this particular time this is something I feel I need to do."

Sparano said that Henne "was disappointed, as I would expect, but a tremendous professional."

It had been suggested that Pennington would provide a bridge to Tyler Thigpen. It sounds like Henne will still have a chance to become the starter again.

Until then, Henne becomes the latest second-round pick that the Dolphins have wasted in an attempt to find the next Dan Marino. From A.J. Feeley to Daunte Culpepper to John Beck to Chad Henne to Pat White, the Dolphins have swung and missed on five second-round selection, via trading or using the picks.

Kaylore

11-10-2010, 02:10 PM

I wouldn't say Henne is a bust. He's an "ok" QB that can still get better.

In only eight games, Aaron Kampman had transformed himself into the leader of the Jaguars defense, not to mention their best defensive lineman.

Jacksonville will have to move on without him after learning that Kampman suffered a torn ACL at practice Thursday, ending his season. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio announced the move at his Friday press conference. Kampman’s career in Green Bay ended with a torn ACL to his other knee, and he made a quick recovery to play well for the season’s first eight games.

It’s a crushing blow for the beleaguered Jaguars defense. They have struggled to consistently pressure the passer, and will now have to turn back to recently benched former first-round pick Derrick Harvey. Kampman also represents a huge investment by the organization, which had been paying off. He received a $10 million signing bonus on a four-year deal.

In a deep AFC playoff picture, both the Jaguars and Texans can’t afford to fall to 4-5 on Sunday. We seriously doubt Jacksonville can make a second half run because of their tough schedule, and this news will only make their task tougher.

SouthStndJunkie

11-12-2010, 11:01 PM

It's looking like Kerry Collins may get the start for Tennessee versus Miami on Sunday, as Vince Young is battling an ankle injury.

If he beats Miami, Collins will join Brett Favre as the only other QB in NFL history to beat all 32 NFL teams.

The Dolphins won’t have to choose between Chad Pennington and Chad Henne for the rest of the season; they both aren’t expected to play again.

Mike Berardino and Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel report that Pennington and Henne are expected to miss the rest of the season. Jay Glazer of FOX reports that Pennington has a dislocated shoulder, the fourth serious shoulder injury of his career.

Henne left the stadium on crutches and was headed to undergo an MRI. His kneecap bent forward in ugly fashion on the play that took him out. While one source of the Sentinel’s expects Henne to miss the rest of the season, the other source wasn’t as sure.

Tyler Thigpen will take over as the starter for the 5-4 Dolphins; Miami has started to search for a possible backup for Thursday’s game.

Soul-Bronco

11-14-2010, 04:59 PM

all my friends that are miami dolphin fans are jumping the ledge right now......im keeping my awww shucks attitude but in my mind i keep thinkin about that second round pick and smiling..........awesome to not have to deal with a broncos loss and a dolphins win this week!!!

crush17

11-17-2010, 12:49 PM

@Adam_Schefter Panthers officially placed running back DeAngelo Williams on injured reserve with a sprained right arch. His contract is up there, too. 14 minutes ago

The Dolphins won’t have to choose between Chad Pennington and Chad Henne for the rest of the season; they both aren’t expected to play again.

Mike Berardino and Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel report that Pennington and Henne are expected to miss the rest of the season. Jay Glazer of FOX reports that Pennington has a dislocated shoulder, the fourth serious shoulder injury of his career.

Henne left the stadium on crutches and was headed to undergo an MRI. His kneecap bent forward in ugly fashion on the play that took him out. While one source of the Sentinel’s expects Henne to miss the rest of the season, the other source wasn’t as sure.

Tyler Thigpen will take over as the starter for the 5-4 Dolphins; Miami has started to search for a possible backup for Thursday’s game.

For the second straight weekend, the three-year-old notion of the Patriots engaging in tactics not recognized by the rule book hovers over one of the team’s biggest out-of-division rivalries.

In his look-ahead to the coming weekend, Peter King of SI.com (via StampedeBlue.com) points out that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning fears the presence of enemy ears in the visitors’ locker room at Gillette Stadium.

Manning hasn’t said it, but King says he’s heard “reliably” that Manning and former offensive coordinator Tom Moore used to huddle in the hall outside the locker room when the time came to talk strategy. “So if you’re outside the locker room Sunday,” King writes, “don’t be surprised to see Manning and his first-year coordinator, Christensen, huddling for a few minutes.”

None of it means that bugs have been planted in the locker room, but there’s nothing wrong with being cautious. Even if the caution becomes paranoia.

Injuries arguably have fueled the Giants’ latest late-season slide. Last night’s loss to the Eagles resulted in another key injury.

Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger reports that receiver Hakeem Nicks is out indefinitely with a lower leg injury. Garafolo cites two unnamed sources with knowledge of the situation in support of the report.

The specific nature of the injury and the duration of the absence are not yet know.

Already absent is receiver Steve Smith, who suffered a pectoral injury in practice earlier this month. The 6-4 Giants host the 6-4 Jaguars on Sunday.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - NFL players might be socking away their paychecks soon to get ready for a lockout that could cost them their entire salary in 2011.

The pro football players' union has advised its members to save their last three game checks this year in case next season is cancelled. In a letter to the players that was viewed by The Associated Press, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said the union's "internal deadline" for agreeing to a new collective bargaining agreement has passed.

"It is important that you protect yourself and your family," he wrote in the letter, which was dated Wednesday.

NFLPA spokesman George Atallah declined to elaborate on what effect the passing of the self-imposed deadline would have on negotiations, saying the letter was an "internal communication."

But copies were strewn across a table on Saturday in the New England Patriots' locker-room, where they were visible to players, reporters and team officials. After a reporter asked players about the letter, a Patriots spokesman flipped the copies face-down.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello called the news of a deadline "disappointing and inexplicable, especially for fans."

"We hope this does not mean the union has abandoned negotiating in favour of decertifying and litigating," he said. "We are ready to meet and negotiate anytime and anywhere. But it takes sustained effort and shared commitment to reach an agreement. One side can't do it alone."

About an hour after telling the AP, "We don't comment publicly on our internal communications with players," Atallah did just that on Twitter.

"Today's memo to NFL players was an internal deadline to prepare, not for CBA negotiations," he wrote, following up with two more tweets: "The NFL knows that we have exchanged correspondence and met regularly," and "To spin this as an end to the NFLPA's negotiating is dumb. Perhaps the outrage can be directed towards preventing a lockout."

The NFL has not missed games due to labour strife since 1987, when the players went on strike and the owners continued the season with replacement players. But the prospect of a lost season in 2011 intensified when owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement in 2008, saying they could not make a profit if required to give almost 60 cents of every $1 in revenue to the players.

Smith has said that he believes the owners opted out with the goal of locking the players out. The NFLPA's home page features a "Lockout Watch" that counts down the days, hours, minutes and seconds until the CBA expires on March 3.

The one-page letter on NFLPA stationery said the union expects the lockout to begin March 4, and that players should work with their advisers to prepare for an impending lack of income.

It also said the league threatened to cancel the players' health insurance.

The union said it would file a grievance to contest a cancellation of health insurance, noting that the CBA promises players their health insurance would continue "through the end of the Plan Year in which they are released or otherwise sever employment."

Patriots offensive lineman Matt Light said players understand the nature of the business, but the threat to cancel health insurance is different.

"You're going to cancel somebody's health insurance and maybe they've got a baby that's due in the off-season?" said Light, who is one of the team's player representatives. "Yeah, it gets personal."

Aiello said that there would be no interruption of health care, because of the federal COBRA law that allows employees to continue coverage at their own expense.

"This means that no player or family member would experience any change in coverage for so much as a single day because of a work stoppage," he said. "The union surely knows this and there is no excuse for suggesting otherwise."

Light said he is doing his best to educate his teammates on how to prepare.

"They've got to look at it like they're going into a period in which they are going to change their financial situation," he said. "Nobody knows what's going to happen. But if you're going to go a year without getting paid, you need to prepare accordingly."

Under the deal agreed to in 2006, the players' share of designated NFL revenues is set at 59.6 per cent. The owners opted out beginning next season, arguing they have huge debts from building stadiums and starting up the NFL Network that make it impossible to be profitable.

The two sides met last month and said they made "some progress" on proposals involving an 18-game regular season and limiting off-season workouts.

But players have gone public with their case in recent weeks, briefing Congress on the job loss and other economic impacts of a lockout and even drafting letters for lawmakers to send to the league. Using many of the same studies the NFL relies on when trumpeting public subsidies for new stadiums, an economist commissioned by the union estimated an average of about US$160 million in local spending and 3,000 jobs would be lost in each league city if the full 2011 season were wiped out.

The NFL called the figures "a fairy tale."

New England linebacker Tully Banta-Cain said he was already squirreling away his savings in case of a lockout. Banta-Cain said he was also working on his outside businesses, which include a clothing line and a music label.

"I'm trying to prepare," he said. "And I'm trying to establish my off-the-field businesses and make sure I can make money in the off-season."

Beantown Bronco

12-05-2010, 07:53 AM

The one-page letter on NFLPA stationery said the union expects the lockout to begin March 4, and that players should work with their advisers to prepare for an impending lack of income.

Anyone else here serious about joining a "fan lockout" if it gets to March 4th and there's a league lockout? I personally don't care if they get things straightened out over the late spring or early summer and they salvage part of the season. If they so much as let it get to March 4th without working things out, I'm done.

boltaneer

12-05-2010, 09:40 AM

The one-page letter on NFLPA stationery said the union expects the lockout to begin March 4, and that players should work with their advisers to prepare for an impending lack of income.

Anyone else here serious about joining a "fan lockout" if it gets to March 4th and there's a league lockout? I personally don't care if they get things straightened out over the late spring or early summer and they salvage part of the season. If they so much as let it get to March 4th without working things out, I'm done.

If one side is being unreasonable (not saying this is necessarily true) then do you blame the other for not giving in and in turn, give up on football?

Beantown Bronco

12-05-2010, 01:47 PM

If one side is being unreasonable (not saying this is necessarily true) then do you blame the other for not giving in and in turn, give up on football?

Nope. I blame the one side that is being unreasonable and choose not to spend my time and money on a system they control. It may not be fair to the other side that may be doing the "right thing" by not simply giving in, but life's not fair.

I simply cannot support an organization like the NFL that is the single most popular and profitable sport in the country, if it doesn't at least pretend to care about us, the fans, by working this whole thing out before March. I don't have a problem with greed to a point, but this is where I have to draw the line.

boltaneer

12-06-2010, 12:22 AM

Nope. I blame the one side that is being unreasonable and choose not to spend my time and money on a system they control. It may not be fair to the other side that may be doing the "right thing" by not simply giving in, but life's not fair.

I simply cannot support an organization like the NFL that is the single most popular and profitable sport in the country, if it doesn't at least pretend to care about us, the fans, by working this whole thing out before March. I don't have a problem with greed to a point, but this is where I have to draw the line.

I hear ya.

I'm also sick and tired of the ridiculous prices the NFL force feeds the fans these days. I don't mind paying for the Red Zone (I think that's one of the only things they give great value on) but I pretty much draw the line there now as well.

s0phr0syne

12-06-2010, 05:31 AM

From the new MMQB:

f. Ref Walt Coleman, during 'Skins-Giants, after a failed challenge by Washington coach Mike Shanahan: "Denver will be charged with a timeout.'' Old habits die hard.

We hope the Giants packed some extra clothes for their trip to Minnesota.

After a day filled with travel delays and a blizzard in Minneapolis, the Giants-Vikings game will be moved to Monday Night, the NFL has confirmed. Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger was the first to report the possibility Saturday night.

The Giants, stuck in Kansas City, were planning to leave for the game at 8 am Sunday. It’s possible that continued poor weather and other complications caused the NFL to re-consider that plan.

We are still waiting to hear more details, such as when the game will be played and whether it will be available on television other than in the home markets. (Historical precedent says it won’t.)

We hope the Giants packed some extra clothes for their trip to Minnesota.

After a day filled with travel delays and a blizzard in Minneapolis, the Giants-Vikings game will be moved to Monday Night, the NFL has confirmed. Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star-Ledger was the first to report the possibility Saturday night.

The Giants, stuck in Kansas City, were planning to leave for the game at 8 am Sunday. It’s possible that continued poor weather and other complications caused the NFL to re-consider that plan.

We are still waiting to hear more details, such as when the game will be played and whether it will be available on television other than in the home markets. (Historical precedent says it won’t.)

Either way, Brett Favre has another day to let that shoulder heal.

Maybe they can do some "skitching" behind some Camero's in the snow or get some hair cuts that are business in the front and a party in the back!

SouthStndJunkie

12-20-2010, 04:24 PM

CINCINNATI -- Terrell Owens is having surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, ending his season.

He has 3,196 yards passing (60.3 completion percentage) with 23 TDs and only 6 INTs. He also has 353 yards rushing.

In addition to his stats, he displays a lot of leadership skills as well.

Tampa Bay is headed in the right direction and will finish with a winning season.

I still can't believe the Titans let LeGarrette Blount go. He has basically started 10 games and has 941 yards rushing and 6 TDs.

He is averaging 5.2 ypc and has 4-100+ yard games.

SouthStndJunkie

12-31-2010, 01:36 PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers have formally announced coach John Fox won't return next season, ending a nine-year run in which he led the franchise to its only Super Bowl.

SouthStndJunkie

12-31-2010, 09:07 PM

You know who has had a nice rookie year....Joe Haden, CB, Browns.

Haden has 6 INTs and is going to be a shut down corner for the Browns for the next decade.

DarkHorse

01-01-2011, 01:46 AM

The Clowns never keep good players.

TonyR

01-19-2011, 01:21 PM

Eagles hire Jim Washburn as defensive line coach

The Eagles announced today that they have hired Washburn, who previously held the same position with the Titans. Jeff Fisher had said he was hoping to keep Washburn in Tennessee, which suggests that Washburn got a better offer from the Eagles than the Titans were willing to make.

Washburn had a great relationship with Albert Haynesworth in Tennessee, and the speculation has already begun that the Eagles might be interested in Haynesworth if the Redskins cut him loose.

Carson Palmer will ask the Cincinnati Bengals to trade him and will contemplate retirement if he does not get his wish, according to several sources.

Tombstone RJ

01-23-2011, 11:20 AM

Carson Palmer will ask the Cincinnati Bengals to trade him and will contemplate retirement if he does not get his wish, according to several sources.

talk about a QB who has taken a serious nose dive over the last 3-4 years. He used to be one of the top QBs in the game and now he's asking for a trade from a talented and relatively young team who swept the AFCC last year.

Kaylore

01-23-2011, 11:30 AM

talk about a QB who has taken a serious nose dive over the last 3-4 years. He used to be one of the top QBs in the game and now he's asking for a trade from a talented and relatively young team who swept the AFCC last year.

Do you mean two years ago? They were terrible last year and don't appear to be headed anywhere in the short or long term.

Tombstone RJ

01-23-2011, 11:31 AM

Do you mean two years ago? They were terrible last year and don't appear to be headed anywhere in the short or long term.

yah, maybe it was two years ago Cincy swept the AFCC. Anyhow, Palmer looks like a shell of himself...

KO5K

01-23-2011, 11:43 AM

Don't really want to make another Cutler thread but I thought this was interesting:

In defense of Josh McDaniels, he never had a chance with Jay Cutler.

On Jan. 12, 2009, the day that McDaniels was officially announced as the Broncos' head coach, Cutler called the front office and demanded a trade, according to three NFL sources.

Read more: Klis: Jay Cutler's departure led to Josh McDaniels' - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/klis/ci_17170363#ixzz1BtCLyVlN
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

For me it reassures my belief that Elway shouldn't have made those comments on Friday, if Cutler never really wanted to play for McDaniels how could you keep the guy?

Cito Pelon

01-23-2011, 12:08 PM

Carson Palmer will ask the Cincinnati Bengals to trade him and will contemplate retirement if he does not get his wish, according to several sources.

The Bengals are an odd sort of team in the NFL. Mike Brown the owner is the GM and grand poobah. Son of Paul Brown, the owner of the old Cleveland Browns, who of course got their team name from him. The only comparable franchise is the Raiders with Al "Manager of the General Partner" Davis.

The Bidwill's used to be comparable, but wised up. Hell, even Crazy Al has had monumental success compared to Mike Brown's Bengals. The NFL is still full of crazy stories. Unfortunately, Denver is one of them right now.

Palmer should not have signed an extension with that team, so it's his fault from his first contract. Now he's washed up.

Broncoman13

01-23-2011, 02:52 PM

The Bengals are an odd sort of team in the NFL. Mike Brown the owner is the GM and grand poobah. Son of Paul Brown, the owner of the old Cleveland Browns, who of course got their team name from him. The only comparable franchise is the Raiders with Al "Manager of the General Partner" Davis.

The Bidwill's used to be comparable, but wised up. Hell, even Crazy Al has had monumental success compared to Mike Brown's Bengals. The NFL is still full of crazy stories. Unfortunately, Denver is one of them right now.

Palmer should not have signed an extension with that team, so it's his fault from his first contract. Now he's washed up.

Jerry Jones?

oubronco

01-27-2011, 11:50 AM

Falcons DE Jamaal Anderson and S Erik Coleman are candidates to be released this offseason.

Anderson is coming off his best season in Atlanta as a key component of a better than expected run defense. The Falcons have to decide if he's worth $3.6 million with reinforcements needed at receiver, tight end, running back, pass rusher, and secondary. Coleman, due $3 million, would have to take a major paycut to return.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-must-add-or-817948.html?cxtype=rss_falcons)

The Steelers' run defense has actually improved since Ziggy Hood took over for an injured Aaron Smith at left defensive end in Week 8.
Smith has a reputation as the league's best 3-4 end against the run, but the stats suggest Hood has been just as good. The Steelers allowed 63.8 rushing yards per game with Smith starting versus 62.1 per game with Hood. The 2009 first-rounder is yet another draft "hit" for a franchise that rarely swings and misses.
Source: Sporting News (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-01-27/ziggy-zone-hood-steps-up-as-smiths-replacement)

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gif
Free agent LB Adalius Thomas hopes to play football in 2011.
Thomas received in-season tryouts from the Bengals and Dolphins, but never signed. Turning 34 this August, it's hard to imagine him latching on for more than a minimum-salary deal. He pass-rush skills evaporated in 2008.
Source: Boston Herald (http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/index.php/2011/01/27/former-patriots-lb-adalius-thomas-still-out-of-work-wants-to-play-in-2011/)

oubronco

01-27-2011, 12:12 PM

According to Profootballtalk's Gregg Rosenthal, the NFL expects the franchise tag to be in play as normal in February.

Rosenthal is reporting from a league meeting at NFL offices on Thursday. It was a widely held belief that some mechanism similar to the franchise tag would be available in the next CBA, but it's somewhat surprising that teams are still planning to use the original tag in the coming weeks. Michael Vick, Haloti Ngata, Logan Mankins, Vincent Jackson, Sidney Rice, LaMarr Woodley, Tamba Hali, Marcedes Lewis, and Johnathan Jospeh are candidates for the tag. Jan. 27 - 1:55 pm et
Source: Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/greggrosenthal/statuses/30697098517159936)

bronco militia

01-27-2011, 12:19 PM

1. By the league’s estimate, 569 players will be affected in March by a lockout. Of those, 495 players are scheduled to be free agents in 2011, with the assumption that the league goes back to a system where four accrued seasons are needed to become a free agent. That number includes 170 starters and 70 Pro Bowl players.

It will be the biggest free-agent class ever, and it will have the highest percentage of starters available ever.

They also counted 74 players with roster or option bonuses due in March, which have a total of $143.5 million due to those players.

Tatupu dealt with an injury to at least one of the knees for the second half of the season, perhaps explaining his downturn in production. Per Seahawks insider Brian McIntyre, Tatupu still managed to play 97.1 percent of Seattle's defensive snaps. The 28-year-old should be fine by OTAs, and he'll be under pressure to bounce back next season after being outplayed by WLB David Hawthorne in 2010. Jan. 27 - 5:17 pm et

oubronco

01-27-2011, 02:44 PM

Antonio Cromartie threatened to "smash in" Matt Hasselbeck's face after the Seahawks QB tweeted a shot at Cromartie and later deleted it.

"Hey Matt if u have something to say then be a man about it," tweeted Cromartie. "Don't erase it. I will smash ur face in." After Cromartie earlier in the week called the union's leadership "a-holes," Hasselbeck responded by asking if Cromartie even knows what "CBA" means. The union's solidarity appears to have sprung a leak this week.
Source: Antonio Cromartie on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/A_Cromartie31/status/30714466865778688)

Tombstone RJ

01-27-2011, 03:52 PM

the union sounds un-unified...

Chris

01-27-2011, 04:02 PM

I think there are a lot of dumb people playing in the NFL... some dumb enough to speak. That's all it is. Cromartie has no role in this.

oubronco

01-28-2011, 06:31 AM

Free agent DE Jason Babin is considered a longshot to re-sign with the Titans after the departures of Jeff Fisher and DL coach Jim Washburn.

Babin flourished under Washburn's tutoring, skyrocketing from 2.5 sacks in 2009 to 12.5 in 2010. The Pro Bowler has hinted that he would follow Washburn to Philly, though he seems likely to accept the highest offer he receives on the open market.
Source: Nashville Tennessean (http://blogs.tennessean.com/titans/2011/01/27/fisher-loss-wont-help-titans-with-babin/)

oubronco

01-28-2011, 06:35 AM

DeSean Jackson revealed that he's dealing with a Grade 2 MCL sprain and bone bruise left over from the Wild Card round loss to the Packers.

Jackson tried to practice NFC Pro Bowl squad this week, but the knee simply wasn't ready. Like Jay Cutler, Jackson won't need surgery to repair the injury, but there's no use risking further damage by playing in a meaningless exhibition game. Jackson should be back to 100 percent in plenty of time for OTAs. Jan. 27 - 7:51 pm et
Source: Ashley Fox on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/AshleyMFox/status/30787306990338048)

oubronco

01-28-2011, 06:35 AM

In addition to a serious sprain, Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey is reportedly also dealing with a broken bone in his left ankle.

The ligament damage remains the biggest hurdle. The Steelers aren't ruling Pouncey out for the Super Bowl, but he's considered "highly doubtful" to play. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cites several teammates as being "privately skeptical" that Pouncey will play, and at least two of them have been publicly skeptical as well. Doug Legursky is being prime to start against Packers NT B.J. Raji. Jan. 27 - 7:37 pm et
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11027/1121114-66.stm#ixzz1CHfe0drs)

Kaylore

01-28-2011, 07:05 AM

Good news. The Steelers can die.

baja

01-28-2011, 08:26 AM

Why does everyone hate the Steelers. It is a first class organization that builds teams in a way to be admired and envied. The Rooney's are all class too.

Tombstone RJ

01-28-2011, 08:37 AM

Why does everyone hate the Steelers. It is a first class organization that builds teams in a way to be admired and envied. The Rooney's are all class too.

They had mega success in the 1970's, almost no success in the 1980's, and moderate success in the 1990's (went to a SB and lost). Now the franchise has won 2 more SBs in in the 2000's and might again win another going into the next decade. Yes, they have 6 Lombardis and are poised for an unprecedented 7th but I still get tired of all they hype.

Hopefully they won't win a 7th Lombardi or the hype machine will go full retard.

Drunk Monkey

01-28-2011, 08:38 AM

Why does everyone hate the Steelers. It is a first class organization that builds teams in a way to be admired and envied. The Rooney's are all class too.

Well for me the hate comes from the 06 AFC championship game. That coupled with their constant presence in the playoffs as well as employing a rapist. Ya I hate them.

oubronco

01-28-2011, 12:18 PM

Damn it!!!

Free agent ILB David Harris is a candidate for the Jets' franchise tag this offseason.

The Jets have lots of big free agents (Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Braylon Edwards), but Harris is considered perhaps their top priority. It probably isn't feasible to pay Harris Bart Scott-type money like he'd command, so he makes sense as a franchise candidate. Harris just turned 27.
Source: ESPN New York (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6068883&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)

McClain says he saw a group of people standing on a corner, and one began shooting at his SUV. He quickly alerted police after a bullet struck the rear hatch of his Chevy Tahoe. It's unclear if they have suspects. McClain finished his rookie year with 85 tackles and an interception in 15 starts.
Source: FOX 40 Alabama (http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-oakland-raiders-linebacker-20110128,0,3955299.story)

Kaylore

01-28-2011, 12:19 PM

Damn it!!!

Free agent ILB David Harris is a candidate for the Jets' franchise tag this offseason.

The Jets have lots of big free agents (Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Braylon Edwards), but Harris is considered perhaps their top priority. It probably isn't feasible to pay Harris Bart Scott-type money like he'd command, so he makes sense as a franchise candidate. Harris just turned 27.
Source: ESPN New York (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6068883&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)

There might be no tags after the new CBA.

oubronco

01-28-2011, 12:20 PM

There might be no tags after the new CBA.

It would be sweet to get Harris

oubronco

01-31-2011, 07:24 AM

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/photos/NFL/NE/NFL_Mankins_small.jpg
Free agent OG Logan Mankins said Friday that he does not expect to sign a long-term extension with the Patriots.

He does, however, believe the Pats might franchise tag him. New England doesn't have a history of paying guards big money under Bill Belichick, and the franchise tag is expected to be available to all teams this offseason. Mankins could get much more long-term security if he hit the open market. He graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 4 guard in his final nine starts. Jan. 28 - 6:30 pm et
Source: Mike Reiss on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/MikeReiss/statuses/31130360989351937)

Beantown Bronco

01-31-2011, 07:33 AM

the franchise tag is expected to be available to all teams this offseason.

I love how different outlets keep reporting this even though the players union and owners have made zero progress towards a new CBA. If anything, they've taken a few steps backwards.

Kaylore

01-31-2011, 08:15 AM

I love how different outlets keep reporting this even though the players union and owners have made zero progress towards a new CBA. If anything, they've taken a few steps backwards.

Yeah I don't know where they're getting this either. Any and all tags are worthless after the end of March.

oubronco

02-01-2011, 10:18 AM

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune confirms that Vikings DE Everson Griffen was arrested twice in California in the matter of three days.

The first arrest was for public drunkenness Friday night in Hollywood. The second charge -- felony battery of a policeman -- is far more serious. Griffen allegedly told officers following the second arrest that he "did not want to go back to jail." (Who does?) Griffen, 23, had a checkered background at USC, one of the main reasons the first-round talent fell to the fourth round on draft day. He has a court date set for February 25.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/115007249.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUz33Dii_9PmP:Qi_17cQ iU47cQU17cQ_bDaEP7U)

oubronco

02-01-2011, 10:19 AM

The Associated Press selected Steelers SS Troy Polamalu as the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year.

Multiple reports claimed Clay Matthews won the award, but after further review Polamalu came out two votes ahead. He finished with 17 votes, while Matthews had 15 and James Harrison 8. Polamalu had a dominant season when healthy (7 INTs, 9 turnovers caused), but missed two late-season games and parts of two others with a strained Achilles'. His selection is something of a surprise. Still continuing to build a Hall of Fame resume, Polamalu has six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro selections, and now the DPOY award through eight NFL seasons.
Related: James Harrison (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_relatednews.aspx?sport=NFL&id=665), Clay Matthews (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_relatednews.aspx?sport=NFL&id=5278)

oubronco

02-01-2011, 10:31 AM

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/photos/NFL/NO/NFL_Brees_small.jpg
Saints FB Heath Evans characterized Drew Brees' 2010 knee injury as a torn left MCL, and says Brees played through it for six weeks.

Coach Sean Payton previously called it a "low-grade" MCL sprain. A full-blown, six-week MCL tear is of a higher grade. "It wasn't a mystery that his knee was bothering him and he was wearing a brace," added RT Jon Stinchcomb. "But it's not our position to speak on another player's injury." Combined with an incredibly inconsistent run game threat, this helps explain Brees' career-high interception count. He suffered the injury in Week 3, and during the ensuing six weeks committed 12 of his 24 turnovers. Feb. 1 - 12:28 pm et
Source: neworleans.com (http://www.neworleans.com/sports/sports-blogs/brian-allee-walshs-blog/556439-heath-evans-drew-brees-played-6-games-with-knee-ligament-tear.html)

Kaylore

02-01-2011, 12:04 PM

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/photos/NFL/NO/NFL_Brees_small.jpg
Saints FB Heath Evans characterized Drew Brees' 2010 knee injury as a torn left MCL, and says Brees played through it for six weeks.

Coach Sean Payton previously called it a "low-grade" MCL sprain. A full-blown, six-week MCL tear is of a higher grade. "It wasn't a mystery that his knee was bothering him and he was wearing a brace," added RT Jon Stinchcomb. "But it's not our position to speak on another player's injury." Combined with an incredibly inconsistent run game threat, this helps explain Brees' career-high interception count. He suffered the injury in Week 3, and during the ensuing six weeks committed 12 of his 24 turnovers. Feb. 1 - 12:28 pm et
Source: neworleans.com (http://www.neworleans.com/sports/sports-blogs/brian-allee-walshs-blog/556439-heath-evans-drew-brees-played-6-games-with-knee-ligament-tear.html)

LOL Jhiz will be here to tell everyone that Drew Brees loves McDaniels.

oubronco

02-03-2011, 06:36 PM

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gif
A team source tells CSN Bay Area that the 49ers are "reluctant" to place the franchise tag on NT Aubrayo Franklin for a second straight year.

Franklin earned $7.003 million in 2010, but the franchise number for defensive tackles could climb as high as $12 million this time around. Beat writer Matt Maiocco doesn't see "any way" the 49ers use the tag on Franklin again. He suggests, instead, that Franklin is a much better candidate to sign an extension. The 49ers don't figure to use the franchise tag at all in 2011.
Source: CSN Bay Area (http://www.csnbayarea.com/02/03/11/Maiocco-49ers-may-not-use-franchise-tag/landing_maiocco_v3.html?blockID=403394&feedID=5936)

It would be sweet if we could get Aubrayo Franklin

oubronco

02-03-2011, 06:37 PM

The Sacramento Bee believes the 49ers would only re-sign free agent OLB Manny Lawson "at the right price."

Lawson has been a terrific cover 'backer and edge-setting run defender, but doesn't get to the quarterback enough. He might fit better in a 4-3 as a Julian Peterson-type strong-side player. Lawson likely could excel in a 3-4 like the 49ers', but only if he had a stud rusher as bookend. Parys Haralson doesn't qualify. The two combined for a lousy 6.5 sacks last year.
Source: Sacramento Bee (http://blogs.sacbee.com/49ers/archives/2011/02/the-outsiders-a.html)

oubronco

02-04-2011, 07:41 AM

The NFL Players Association has sent a memo to all certified agents disputing the league's contention that the franchise tag will be available for use as normal over the next few weeks.

"The current CBA provides that 'each club shall be permitted to designate one of its players who would otherwise be an Unrestricted Free Agent [or RFA] as a Franchise Player each season during the term of this Agreement,'" said the memo. "The 2011 season is not a 'season during the term of this Agreement' so the NFL has no valid basis for claiming the right to franchise players in 2011." The NFLPA seems to have a legit complaint here, but the league is sure to have a rejoinder. Feb. 3 - 3:36 pm et
Source: Pro Football Talk on NBCSports.com (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/03/union-disputes-league-claim-that-franchise-tags-are-available/)

Whenever we talk about Art Schlichter, the quarterback whom the Baltimore Colts selected with the fourth overall pick in the 1982 draft, you can assume it’s a story that’s only related to football in the sense that Schlichter is using his football connections to aid him in swindling people out of their money and then losing that money gambling.

So as soon as you saw “Art Schlichter” in the headline above, you should have expected something like this: The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that Schlichter is the target of an investigation by local and federal authorities centering on a sports-ticket scheme that has swindled people out of several million dollars.

Some of those people gave money to Schlichter because he promised he could get them tickets to the Super Bowl, and those people are currently stuck in Dallas without any way of getting into the Super Bowl, because Schlichter, of course, isn’t coming through with the tickets.

At this point you might be wondering what kind of people would trust Schlichter with their money. It’s a reasonable question: Schlichter has spent much of his life in prison for various crimes related to his gambling addiction and illegal activities that helped him fuel that addiction.

But Schlichter has a knack for finding wealthy people and convincing them to give him their money. That’s his gift. In this case, he seems to have pulled off the scam through his involvement with a wealthy woman whom he befriended while he was still Ohio State’s star quarterback, 30 years ago.

Schlichter confirmed to the Dispatch that he plans to speak with authorities soon, and he tried to portray himself as a suffering gambling addict who wants to assist other gambling addicts.

“It will help a lot of people,” Schlichter said in a text message. “This addiction is a [expletive].”

After he was released from prison in 2006, Schlichter told the Dispatch he was “more sorry than people will ever know.”

But apparently not sorry enough to stop.

SouthStndJunkie

02-05-2011, 08:46 AM

Some of those people gave money to Schlichter because he promised he could get them tickets to the Super Bowl, and those people are currently stuck in Dallas without any way of getting into the Super Bowl, because Schlichter, of course, isn’t coming through with the tickets.

Art Schlichter may be the shadiest man on the planet.

I wouldn't give him a thatch of my ball hairs for a 50 yard line ticket to the Super Bowl.

This might fall more under the category of college football because Desmond Howard is a college “analyst” for ESPN, but the situation does involve former NFL quarterback Phil Simms, now a CBS analyst, and Howard, a former Super Bowl M.V.P. So we’ll post it.

On Saturday afternoon, Howard posted a series of tweets detailing a recent encounter with Simms which allegedly ended with Simms threatening to punch Howard.

“At NFL Xperience and Phil Simms just threatened 2 hit me b/c I said his son was 1 of the worse QBs in the SEC,” Howard tweeted. “I told (Phil) ‘LET’S GO.’”

Simms’ son, Matt, lost his starting job in 2010 to true freshman Tyler Bray at Tennessee. So apparently Desmond’s analysis was spot-on.

“I am DEAD serious about the Phil Simms thing,” added Howard. “We all thought he was joking, but he kept going and said he wanted 2 take a swing at me!!

“During the season we talked about the Tenn v LSU game and I said ‘u will see 3 of the worse QBs in the SEC’ That’s what Phil did not like.

“It ended w/police stepping in between so I could continue my appearance w/fans.”

Phil Simms is about 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, while Howard is around 5-foot-10 and 185. Simms might not have been right to threaten Howard physically, but if the two do come to blows our money is on Howard getting the “worse” of it.

oubronco

02-05-2011, 02:56 PM

The truth hurts doesn't Phil both his sons suck

oubronco

02-05-2011, 03:11 PM

Hey SSJ did you ever do that draft thing you were wanting to do?

SouthStndJunkie

02-05-2011, 04:56 PM

Hey SSJ did you ever do that draft thing you were wanting to do?

I wrote up a MAC Draft Report last year, but didn't do anything with it besides send it out to 15-20 people that wanted it.

Not sure if I'll have time to do anything major this year, 21 month old daughter keeps me busy in my spare time.

I'm sure I'll write up a few things and can send them to you if I do.

SouthStndJunkie

02-05-2011, 04:57 PM

If I get time I may do another MAC Draft Report or maybe a Big Ten Draft Report.

oubronco

02-06-2011, 10:35 AM

Cool SSJ

Cardinals | Larry Fitzgerald has eyes on Kevin Kolb, Marc Bulger (http://www.orangemane.com/BB/gnews.php?id=693647-cardinals-larry-fitzgerald-has-eyes-on-kevin-kolb,-marc-bulger)
Sun, 06 Feb 2011 09:22:06 -0800
Arizona Cardinals (http://www.orangemane.com/team/6/nfl/arizona-cardinals) WR Larry Fitzgerald (http://www.orangemane.com/player/9047/nfl/larry-fitzgerald) was asked by the team's brass for his opinion on which quarterback the team should try to trade for or sign as a free agent during the offseason, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter. Fitzgerald's first recommendation was Philadelphia Eagles (http://www.orangemane.com/team/29/nfl/philadelphia-eagles) QB Kevin Kolb (http://www.orangemane.com/player/16102/nfl/kevin-kolb), whom the Eagles (http://www.orangemane.com/team/29/nfl/philadelphia-eagles) are believed to be listening to trade offers for. Fitzgerald also brought up Baltimore Ravens (http://www.orangemane.com/team/8/nfl/baltimore-ravens) QB Marc Bulger (http://www.orangemane.com/player/1767/nfl/marc-bulger), who will be a free agent this offseason. Fitzgerald is entering the final year of his contract with the team, and they want to keep him happy to better their chances of re-signing him to a long-term deal.

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz1DCml49oI

In the wake of a report that the Cardinals have consulted with Larry Fitzgerald on their quarterback situation, coach Ken Whisenhunt emphasized that it was simply a routine discussion as part of his "open door policy."

"Larry and I talked about a number of things," said Whisenhunt. "I've talked to other players as well ... Larry is obviously not making the decisions." Fitz is walking a fine line here. He's made it clear that he's not qualified to play a major role in personnel decisions. On the other hand, the Cardinals understand that the 2011 QB situation will go a long way toward deciding Fitz's future in Arizona.
Source: Arizona Republic (http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/117906)

SouthStndJunkie

02-07-2011, 11:42 AM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans have hired Mike Munchak as the team's second head coach since moving to Tennessee, deciding to promote from within to replace Jeff Fisher.

Owner Bud Adams Monday called the move a special day for the franchise; Munchak becomes the first former player to coach the team. He becomes the 16th head coach in Titans/Oilers franchise history.

oubronco

02-08-2011, 12:53 PM

Falcons S Erik Coleman will reportedly be released on Tuesday.

As we reported earlier in the day, Coleman's 2011 base salary was set to jump from $2.5 million to $3 million after hitting escalators. Having lost his starting job to William Moore, Coleman is no longer in the team's plans. He may have to take a backup job elsewhere after starting all 32 games for Atlanta in 2008-2009.

oubronco

02-08-2011, 12:57 PM

The Texans have joined the Vikings in showing interest in CFL pass rusher Phillip Hunt.

The window to sign CFL players ends on February 15. Hunt, 23, looks the part of a 3-4 OLB like the Texans need at 6'2/260. He also is a Houston native, having played college ball for the Cougars. As a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this past season, Hunt led the Canadian League with 16 sacks.
Related: Texans (http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/clubhouse/nfl/hou/texans), Vikings (http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/clubhouse/nfl/min/vikings)

The Bears will cut Chester Taylor this offseason, a source tells CSNChicago.com.

Taylor is heading into the second season of a four-year, $12.5 million contract. The Bears already wasted over $6 million in bonuses on Taylor, but he averaged 2.4 yards per carry in 2010. Severely lacking in explosiveness going on age 32, Taylor is an easily-replaced player. The Bears could look to the draft for his replacement behind Matt Forte.
Source: CSNChicago.com (http://www.csnchicago.com/01/31/11/First-Look-2011-Chicago-Bears-offense/landing_insider_john_moon_mullin.html?blockID=4013 68&feedID=626)
2/7/2011 8:28:00 AM

Kaylore

02-08-2011, 01:15 PM

What is wrong with Simms? I can't believe he would do that. He has the same job as Desmond so you'd think he would get it. It wasn't even a mean-spirited comment.

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz1DPzCleYwThere is something dirty about firing a guy who has cancer, maybe its just me.

ICON

02-08-2011, 09:27 PM

Union, agents considering boycott of combine, draft activities

Quote:
Top union officials and player agents are discussing the possibility of withholding prospects from the NFL Scouting Combine and 2011 NFL Draft activities, sources said Friday, with the league's collective bargaining agreement expiring March 3

Quote:
The AP confirmed the talks though a source and reported the union hopes such a boycott would disrupt teams' scouting of college players. Although it's unlikely to receive widespread support from agents, whose first duty is helping their clients be selected high in the draft, one prominent representative said he would instruct his clients to skip the combine if there was a consensus about doing so.

Quote:
Teams will hold workouts for prospects throughout March and April leading up to the draft, and the NFLPA also is urging agents to consider boycotting those, according to The AP.

That's gotta be weird. Your line coach is promoted ahead of you then he cans you. No love lost in Tennessee.

I have no idea if this is the case or what the inner workings of the Titans staff are.

But it would suck so hard if you were an OC and had a staff that mostly was on the same page and every body got a long with you and worked well together except for one guy that was a dick and hated you.

St. Clair was due nearly $3.3 million and turns 34 this summer. Credit the Browns for shedding a ton of washed-up weight Wednesday. A 24-game starter for Cleveland over the past two seasons, St. Clair was a liability as a pass protector and below average in run blocking. He may catch on as a swing tackle elsewhere, but his days as a viable starter are long gone.

The Browns' six Wednesday cuts combined to save nearly $17 million in 2011 salary, and nearly $19 million including bonuses. Royal was due over $2M after catching just five balls for 56 yards in 15 games (four starts) last season. He turns 33 in May and won't attract much interest in free agency.

Browns started 12 games at inside linebacker in 2010, but that was never the plan. He was forced into action after D'Qwell Jackson's year-ending injury. Turning 34 next September, Barton is no more than a two-down thumper in the twilight of his career. He may have played his last down in the NFL.

Bowens didn't fit Cleveland's new 4-3, and the old Eric Mangini favorite turns 34 before next season. He was never going to see his $1.65 million scheduled salary. We'd have a lot more confidence in Bowens finding a new home if Mangini was still in the league. He's a coaching free agent.

The most surprising of Cleveland's first round of offseason cuts, Coleman was a 16-game starter at left end in 2010, racking up 68 tackles to rank sixth on the team, and chipping in 2.5 sacks. A quality run defender, the 32-year-old (in April) was deemed a misfit for the Browns' new 4-3 scheme. Coleman probably has a year or two left as at least a rotational 3-4 end.

Feb 9, 6:17

oubronco

02-09-2011, 05:14 PM

Falcons LE Jamaal Anderson is due a $3,558,750 salary in 2011.

The eighth overall pick in the 2007 draft has "developed" into a run-stopping defensive end, which isn't going to cut it at Anderson's salary. The 25-year-old had two sacks in 2010, playing under 50 percent of the defensive snaps. The Falcons may ask him to restructure, and cut ties if he doesn't.

The Arizona Republic's Kent Somers considers OLB Joey Porter "doubtful" to be back with the Cardinals in 2011.

Porter only had five sacks in 2010, including zero in the final eight games. He turns 34 in March and is due a $5.75M salary, of which Porter is worth maybe half on his best day. He's likely to be released in the coming weeks. While the Cards are high on O'Brien Schofield, outside linebacker remains a major need. Von Miller is going to appeal to them with the fifth pick.
Source: Arizona Republic (http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/118112)
2/9/2011 2:15:00 PM

oubronco

02-09-2011, 05:17 PM

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/headshots/NFL/4365.jpg
The Dolphins reportedly have "zero" chance of re-signing NT Paul Soliai before the onset of free agency in March.

Soliai wants to cash in on his breakout second half, which makes it nearly impossible for an extension with the "30 percent" rule in effect. Soliai's camp is expecting a "free-for-all" once he hits the open market. As a run-plugging 350-pounder, he'll be in high demand among teams running 3-4 schemes.
Source: Miami Herald (http://miamiherald.typepad.com/dolphins_in_depth/2011/02/dolphins-own-free-agent-priority-paul-soliai.html)
2/8/2011 6:09:00 PM

McCarthy spoke in the past tense when saying he "really enjoyed coaching Cullen," and hinted that the Packers tired of Jenkins' constant nagging injuries. "He has been an extremely productive and premier player, especially when he is healthy," said McCarthy. Jenkins is a dynamic pass rusher at 100 percent, but he has missed 17 games over the past three seasons.

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/headshots/NFL/4158.jpg
Though the San Francisco Chronicle has reported that Richard Seymour will be slapped with the franchise tag, NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora expects the Raiders to use the tag on TE Zach Miller.

The Chronicle and LaCanfora are both citing sources. The Raiders may end up using both the franchise and the transition tag. If they do plan to franchise Miller, there's a good chance they will lock up Seymour to a long-term deal. Miller, the most valuable member of the Oakland passing game, just turned 25 years old after four years in the NFL. It would be far less expensive to franchise a tight end than a defensive end.
Source: NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e3d856/article/players-who-could-be-hit-with-the-franchise-tag?module=HP_headlines)
2/10/2011 2:08:00 PM

Carmelo15

02-11-2011, 11:43 AM

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/02/11/jeremy-green-pleads-guilty-to-possession-of-child-pornography/#comments
Last year, former NFL scout and ESPN employee Jeremy Green was arrested for possession of child pornography, along with drug-related charges. Green has now pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, according to the Hartford Courant.

During a two-hour online chat in June 2010, Green allegedly sent “sexually explicit photos and videos of a toddler” to an undercover officer using the screen name ‘lendingmom12,’ and Green allegedly said he couldn’t wait for her to bring her three children to Connecticut.
http://nbcprofootballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/jeremy-green.jpg?w=172
The arrest warrant states that Green sent the undercover officer “17 pictures of a toddler, two videos of a toddler and one video of an 8-year-old girl.”

Green, the son of former Vikings coach, former Cardinals coach, and current Sacramento Mountain Lions coach Dennis Green, is expected to receive a sentence of 20 years in prison, suspended after five. Jeremy Green worked for the Browns before joining ESPN.